Exploring the Link Between Menopause and Brain Health: Insights from a Gynaecologist
Can menopause affect brain health? Gynaecologist reveals link between estrogen decline and Parkinson’s disease
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Menopause significantly impacts women's health, particularly through a decline in estrogen, which may increase the risk of neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. Gynaecologist Dr. Lakshmi Aswathaman highlights the protective role of estrogen on brain health and discusses how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help manage Parkinson's symptoms.
- 01Menopause leads to a drop in estrogen, affecting various health aspects, including brain health.
- 02Women experiencing menopause later may have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease due to prolonged estrogen exposure.
- 03Estrogen protects dopamine-producing neurons, and its decline can worsen Parkinson's symptoms.
- 04Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may alleviate some Parkinson's-related symptoms in postmenopausal women.
- 05HRT can also help manage other menopause-related issues such as fatigue and mood swings.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, characterized by a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to various health issues, including increased susceptibility to neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. Gynaecologist Dr. Lakshmi Aswathaman explains that estrogen has a protective role on dopamine-producing neurons, and its decline during menopause can exacerbate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Research indicates that women who undergo menopause later may have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's due to longer exposure to natural estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been found to potentially benefit certain Parkinson's symptoms, particularly in older individuals, by stabilizing proteins in the brain associated with neurological diseases. HRT may also help manage other menopause-related symptoms, including fatigue and mood disturbances, thus offering a complementary approach to managing Parkinson's disease in postmenopausal women.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Understanding the connection between menopause and brain health can help women make informed health decisions during this transition.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think hormone replacement therapy should be more widely discussed for managing menopause symptoms?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


